Police continue rescue ops of GovGen commander

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jul 11): Police continue rescue ops of GovGen commander

RESCUE operations for the abducted police station commander in Governor Generoso town in Davao Oriental continue without let-up until Monday, July 11, but with no result.

Philippine National Police Davao director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said Monday "efforts to rescue Ongachen are still ongoing."

Chief Inspector Arnold Ongachen, who was abducted by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels last May was tagged as "drug protector" of big-time drug pushers.

Rescue operations have been conducted by police and the Philippine Army for the past 43 days.

Gaerlan said they have already determined the location of the NPA rebels but refused to give details so as not to hamper their tactical operations.

It can be recalled that a 32-second video was released by the NPA last June 13 as a proof that Ongachen is still alive.

In previous reports, President Rodrigo Duterte has decided to leave Ongachen's fate to the NPAs upon learning that the latter was allegedly involved in illegal drug activities.

“You try him and sentence him to 20 years hard labor,” Duterte earlier said.

Gaerlan clarified the NPA has yet to prove their allegation that Ongachen is really a "illegal drug protector".

Police Regional Office-Davao has already conducted a separate investigation in Governor Generoso and the results proved that Ongachen is innocent.

“Nonetheless, it is still our duty to find our brother and return him to his family,” Gaerlan said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2016/07/11/police-continue-rescue-ops-govgen-commander-484743